Apple May Replace Original Apple Watches in Need of Repair with Series 1 Models

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Apple May Replace Original Apple Watches in Need of Repair with Series 1 Models

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If you have a first-generation Apple Watch, Apple Stores may be able to simply swap it out with a Series 1 model.

The report sites an announcement Apple made on Thursday to retail store employees. The authorization doesn’t explicitly say that it’s a simple trade-in, but instead authorities employees to substitute original Apple Watch parts with Series 1 components. The announcement reads:

“In some countries, Apple Watch Aluminum (1st generation) parts (in all colors) may be substituted with Apple Watch Aluminum (Series 1) parts. The parts substitution should now be working properly in MobileGenius and Repair Central.”

It is imaginable that in some cases, first-generation Apple Watch owners will be receiving an entirely new device. Of course, this is purely dependent on exactly what is wrong with your device and what repairs need to be performed.

The first-generation Apple Watch was rolled out in 2015, and is no longer covered under Apple’s one-year warranty. The Apple Watch Series 1 lineup was first introduced in September 2016 alongside the new Series 2 models. For the most part, the original Apple Watch and the Series 1 lineup are virtually identical, with the only difference being the chipset.

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This just happened to me. Downloaded the WatchOS 4 Beta onto my Space Grey 42mm Apple Watch Sport and I wanted to downgrade. I’m out of warranty and didn’t buy AppleCare but Apple said to mail it in and they would downgrade it for me at no charge. They mailed me back a new Series 1 instead. Nice upgrade. It’s noticeably faster.

OliChabot

I would like to pay extra to change my Series 0 for a Series 1. At least get the new chip and maybe get a 42mm…